9 - Zenith music hall, St Etienne, France

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St Etienne is a city in Eastern France; the nearest large city is Lyon. The Zénith music venue, completed in 2008, is one of fifteen all over France. The Zénith program was originally conceived as a series of public performing arts venues throughout France in 1981. Initiated by the French Ministry of Culture, the scheme was launched by politician Jack Lang and has led to the construction of more than fifteen new venues. The result of an international design competition in 2004, the new building is characterized by its aerodynamic roof and flexible performance space, and marks a major departure from Zénith's tradition of using temporary venues. As the first purpose built state-of-the art music venue in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, the project will greatly raise Saint-Etienne's profile as a regional venue for arts events and help to drive the regeneration of this former industrial city.The adaptable performance space can be configured to accommodate 1,100 to 7,200 people and host a variety of productions, from music to sports events including tennis and skating. The building's form is energy efficient and offers great flexibility. Located in a valley with prevailing north and south winds, the cantilevered roof structure channels air through the building - the system is fully reversible to take advantage of winds from both directions to assist natural ventilation and cooling. At night, the cold air currents through the auditorium are harnessed, using the thermal properties of the exposed concrete finishes in the auditorium. The venue boasts a overhanging quiff of aluminium giving it an imposing look on approach. The slightly curved glass front lets in plenty of lights and gives the venue an impression of spaciousness. Inside, the window frames' shadows play on the curved walls that line the atrium.

For details of what's on at the St Etienne Zénith, click here

Co-architects: Cabinet Berger

Text: Foster+Partners. Photo: NIgel Young for Foster+Partners

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